We dive into two bigger-than-life films — from a supersized killer spider in “Sting” to a screen titan, Bruce Lee, in “Enter the Clones”.
We begin, as always, by discussing the latest horror, film, and entertainment news.
Decades ago, Anne Rice showed us that placing vampires in the southern United States usually leads to great storytelling. While it is all rumors, there may be a new horror movie using the same formula. With names like Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan attached, it sounds interesting.
Killer clowns have been a thing for a very long time. You would figure that two guys who love horror movies would dig. However, neither of us is excited about the next Terrifier installment, and we discuss why. We may not care for the franchise, but we have some things to say about it.
Then, it’s on to our spotlight film review, the latest from Shudder.
There was a time when sci-fi horror movies packed drive-throughs around the country. Sting sounds like a throwback to that time.
The story is about a young girl who finds a tiny space spider. As it grows in size, its appetite grows with it. What’s a preteen girl to do?
Is it possible for one character to ruin an otherwise fun little horror movie? What if everyone else is quirky and fun?
There is a lot of good to say about Sting, but the stuff that is bad really stands out. Still, there is excellent production and some great scare shots.
For our featured presentation, we take some time to honor a master of his craft, the incomparable Bruce Lee.
It is impossible to overstate the impact of Bruce Lee.
We have fond memories of him from when we were kids. Playing with nunchucks, watching Game of Death over and over, and even (as stated in this week’s feature presentation Enter the Clones of Bruce) not believing he was a real person. He was larger than life, more a superhero than a human.
The documentary directed by David Gregory is a fantastic one that focuses on one of the strangest sub-genres of film that exists. The film explores the Bruce Lee exploitation craze, also known as Bruceploitation.
In between stories of stand-ins from around the world and directors willing to sink to unbelievable lows is a story about a man who was admired by the entire world.
Enter the Clones of Bruce is a fantastic look at guerilla filmmaking that also remembers an absolute legend.
Enter the Clones of Bruce will be available from Severin Films on digital platforms beginning 4/30 and on Blu-ray on 5/21.
Every week AIPT Movie Editor Nathaniel Muir and his cinema partner in crime Blake Heath discuss indie and genre movies you have have never heard of, the ones you cannot hear enough about, and the ones you never want to hear about again.
It is almost impossible to quantify what Roger Corman has done for horror. He pretty much invented B horror, launched the careers of some of the most talented directors of all time, and is behind some of the most iconic genre films of all time. His influence can be seen in the video box art that older fans pine about and in podcasts like our own. He is a true icon.
Typecasting is an interesting part of Hollywood. Some like scream queens and rom-com hunks lean into it. Others try to break out of the box others try to put them in. Think all of the comedic actors who have tried their hands at serious roles or child actors who appeared in more risque fare. It is always a shame to see an actor who obviously has a range of talents regulated to the same types of roles.
But what if an actor typecasts themselves?
Faceless After Dark stars Terrifer’s Jenna Kanell as an actor whose breakout role was in a movie about a killer clown. The synopsis is a little misleading (when she is held hostage by a fan dressed as said clown, she must do whatever she can to survive) as it is more of a revenge story than the logline implies. And that is just the first confusing thing.
The lead character is completely unlikable, the direction is headache inducing, and motivations are nonsensical. Are we supposed to root for Bowie Davidson (Kanell)? Why does she hate her fans so much? Is jealousy truly the root of all evil. Faceless After Dark has something to say, and it touches on real issues like toxic fandom and gender, but it is all done in a way that is confusing and just plain insulting. This movie was absolutely directed towards Terrifer fans and they are not going to like what it has to say.
Bruceploitation Month ends with the most famous Bruce Lee imitator of all. He was also the person who brought an end to the genre. Initially, Jackie Chan was supposed to continue in the footsteps of Dragon Lee, Bruce Li, Bruce Lea, and so many others. He did not want that and proceeded to carve out his own name. But not before he gave us 1976’s New Fist of Fury.
Xenophobia, confounding death scenes, a complete downer of an ending and, of course, a completely random Bruce Lee reference are all part of the film. It is a chance to see Jackie Chan very early in his career and has a powerful story to boot. At least, it seems powerful. Since the subtitles do not translate everything, we are left to assume that much of what is happening is very poignant and meaningful. The final shot certainly left us feeling something; too bad none of it was good.
Adventures in Movies! is a part of the Morbidly Beautiful Podcast Network. Morbidly Beautiful is your one stop shop for all your horror needs. From the latest news and reviews to interviews and old favorites, it can be found at Morbidly Beautiful.
Adventures in Movies! is hosted by Nathaniel and Blake. You can find Nathaniel on Instagram at nathaninpoortaste. Blake can be found on Twitter @foureyedhorror and on Instagram at foureyedhorror. You can reach us personally or on Twitter @AdventuresinMo1.
Music in the background from https://www.FesliyanStudios.com
Adventures in Movies! is hosted by Nathaniel and Blake. You can find Nathaniel on Instagram at nathaninpoortaste. Blake can be found on Twitter @foureyedhorror and on Instagram at foureyedhorror.
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